Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) celebrated the graduation of its largest RTR Teacher Residency Program cohort during an end-of-year celebration at the Kelly Leadership Center. 

The event honored 29 resident teachers who successfully completed the program and will begin their teaching careers in PWCS schools during the 2026–27 school year. The graduates were joined by their mentors and principals, recognizing the collaborative effort that supported their success throughout the residency experience. 

Launched during the 2022–23 school year, the PWCS-VCU RTR partnership provides aspiring educators with immersive, hands-on classroom preparation while helping build a strong pipeline of highly qualified teachers for PWCS schools. This year’s graduating class, the largest to date, reflects the continued growth and success of the program. 

Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade spoke about how the program aligns with the vision of Elevate 2030 and the division’s commitment to learning and achievement for all students. 

“If we want to create thriving futures for every child, then we must continue building a pipeline of educators who are prepared, supported, and ready to lead. That is exactly what this program does,” Dr. McDade said. “It creates a pathway into the profession that is grounded in practice, mentorship, and real-world experience. It recognizes that effective teaching is developed over time, in actual classrooms, and alongside real students." 

Additional speakers included Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources Marvin B. Figueroa, School Board Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef, PWCS Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Donna Eagle, along with VCU RTR leaders. Each recognized the graduates’ accomplishments and highlighted the partnership’s role in developing the next generation of educators. 

The celebration also featured the announcement of the PWCS Principal Residency Program, in partnership with VCU. Principal residents, their mentors, and their school placements were recognized during the event, highlighting the continued expansion of leadership development opportunities through the PWCS-VCU partnership. Learn more about the Principal Residency Program.